What to Know About Fungal Infections

A fungus is a bang out of organism that lives in soil, air, and plants. Some fungal infections are contagious. Many fungal infections are not serious, but some can be harmful. Sirisak Boakaew / Getty Images Sirisak Boakaew / Getty Images What Is a Fungal Infection? A fungal infection is an infection brought on by a fungus. In everyday life, some examples of fungi are mold and mushrooms.However, these fungi do not cause infections....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 828 words · John Harris

What to Know About Gallbladder Polyps

The gallbladder is a small organ found on the right side of your body, just under your liver. The vast majority of gallbladder polyps are benign (noncancerous). Only around 5% of them are malignant (cancerous) or precancerous. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health However, once diagnosed, it is important to follow your physician’s recommendations as far as management. They typically form through cholesterolosis, the process by which cholesterol accumulates in the walls of the gallbladder....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 301 words · Kimberly Pearson

What to Know About Getting an IUD for Endometriosis

Some people use hormone-releasingintrauterine devices(IUDs) as one treatment forendometriosis. IUDs generally are prescribed for the relief of pain associated with endometriosis.IUDs are long-acting and reversible birth control. They are shaped like the capital letter “T” and inserted into the uterus. Maskot/ Getty Images Certain IUDs provide a slow release of the hormoneprogestin, which may help with endometriosis symptoms. Maskot/ Getty Images How Does an IUD Help With Endometriosis? Medication is targeted to decrease estrogen since this hormone stimulates endometriosis lesions....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 514 words · Samuel Schultz

What to Know About Hashimoto’s Disease and Pregnancy

This article discusses how Hashimoto’s disease affects fertility and gestation. It also explains the impact that the condition can have on you after you deliver. Verywell / Jessica Olah Does Hashimoto’s Affect Fertility? Verywell / Jessica Olah Hashimotos diseaseis anautoimmunethyroid disorder. That means your immune system mistakes your thyroid gland for a pathogensomething that can make you sick. It launches an attack and tries to destroythyroidcells. Damage from that attack makes it hard for the gland to produce enough thyroid hormone....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 881 words · Victor Summers

What to Know About Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

This condition causes rapid and severehemolysisthe breakdown of the babys red blood cells (RBCs). It only shows up when there is a mismatch inblood typebetween the baby and the pregnant parent. Usually, screening tests can help identify whether a baby is at risk of HDN. eli_asenova / Getty Images If theres a risk, certain treatments can help prevent it from occurring. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent death or lifelong disability that can occur secondary to HDN....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 607 words · Mark Curtis

What to Know About High Arched Feet

This places undue stress on the toes and ankles, leading to pain and instability. This can increase the risk of anankle sprainor fracture. High arches can develop at any age and occur in one or both feet. Yuri_Arcurs Getty Images This article describes the symptoms and causes of high arches. It also explains how high-arched feet are diagnosed and what can be done to fix or manage the condition. What Are the Symptoms of Arched Feet?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 404 words · Tracy Fields

What To Know About HMPV as Cases Surge in China

However, hMPV is not new. COVID-19 was an unknown virus while hMPV is well known and occurs every year, Schaffner told Verywell. In most healthy people, hMPV just resolves on its own. NurPhoto / Getty Images Unlike flu and COVID-19, there is not an antiviral medication that is effective for hMPV, Schaffner said. Treatment generally involves rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medications likeacetaminophen and ibuprofento ease pain and fever....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 109 words · Ruben Olson

What to Know About HPV and Pregnancy

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause an infection thats spread through skin-to-skin contact. It can also cause some cancers later in life. You may not havesymptoms of HPV, but you may have already been infected with the virus. Oscar Wong / Getty Images The reasons for these issues with fertility come from the effect that the virus can have on reproductive tissues. Is HPV Hereditary? HPV is not hereditary, but it can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or delivery....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 361 words · Jenny Phillips

What to Know About Hypersexuality and ADHD

There may be effects on sexual behavior or performance, such as erectile dysfunction as a side effect ofADHDmedication. Treatment can include medication and behavioral therapy.Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns. It also can refer to addictive sex. Prostock-Studio / iStock/ Getty Images Plus Impulse control can play a role in hypersexual behavior. People with ADHD may find it difficult to stay in the moment. What Is a Normal Sex Drive?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 239 words · Alicia Greene

What to Know About Jakafi (Ruxolitinib)

By doing so, the drug can bring these bone marrow-related conditions under control. The articles describe the uses of Jafaki, including how the drug is prescribed and taken. It also lists the possible risks, side effects, and drug interactions. Hero Images / Getty Images What Is Jakafi Used For? How Is Jakafi Used? The drug is taken twice daily by mouth with or without food. The dose varies based on the condition being treated and other factors, like your blood count....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 290 words · Matthew Brock

What to Know About Japanese Knotweed

Although it’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, scientific evidence supporting its health benefits is limited. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Getty Images / Susan Southward What Is Japanese Knotweed? Getty Images / Susan Southward Japanese knotweed is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Asia. It is part of thePolygonaceaefamily and is sometimes calledReynoutria japonicaorPolygonum cuspidatum. It was first introduced to the United States in the 1800s as an ornamental plant....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 633 words · William Page

What to Know About Joint Effusion (Swollen Joint)

Joint effusionis swelling of the tissues in or around your joint because of extra fluid. Joint effusion can cause a “puffy” appearance to your joints along with symptoms like pain and stiffness. Common causes of joint effusion are infections, arthritis, or injury (includingrepetitive use injuries). Verywell / Emily Roberts However, this is not the same asedema, which is the generalized build-up of fluid in tissues. This article explains what joint effusion is, its causes and symptoms, and how it can be treated....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 470 words · Lucas Stephens

What to Know About Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

This condition is one of the epilepsy syndromes. What Causes JME? Usually, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy occurs without a specific cause. JohnnyGreig / Getty Images There are no known risk factors that you might avoid to prevent yourself or your child from developing JME. Measures like wearing helmets during contact sports and bike riding can help prevent brain injuries. What Can Trigger Seizures in People with JME? In addition to the usual seizure triggers, other factors can provoke a seizure in people with JME....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Christina Boyd